Although previously believed to be some sort of set-top box (like an Apple TV), Android TV is instead a software platform meant to be baked into various smart TVs and set-top boxes from third-party manufacturers.

“Android TV brings all that you love about Android apps and games to your living room. Android is baked directly into your TV-watching experience, through a set-top box or as part of your TV. You can use voice search to find a live TV show, a good flick from Google Play, or a music video on YouTube. Plus, because it’s Android, you’ll be able to play your favorite Android games, reimagined for TV and with a gamepad. Android TV, which, like Chromecast, supports Google Cast technology, will ship with products from a range of consumer electronics companies later this year,” says Google.

The games thing is a new focus for Google in their attempt to take over the biggest screen in your house. Users will be able to play their favorite Android games via their tablets and smartphones, as well as a gamepad, and beam them straight up to their TVs.

In addition to Google Cast apps that send content to the TV, you can now build immersive native apps and console-style games on Android TV devices. These native apps work with TV remotes and gamepads, even if you don’t have your phone handy. The Android L Developer Preview SDK includes the new Leanback support library that allows you to design smoother, simpler, living room apps.

And this is just the beginning. In the fall, new APIs will allow you to cast directly to these apps, so users can control the app with the phone, the remote, or even their Android Wear watch. You’ll also start seeing Android TV set-top boxes, consoles and televisions from Sony, TP Vision, Sharp, Asus, Razer and more.

Google’s never been very successful in taking over your living room, but it looks like they’re giving it another full-on shot.

]]>http://www.webpronews.com/android-tv-unveiled-at-google-io-2014-06/feed0Android Wear Smartwatches Unveiled at Google I/Ohttp://www.webpronews.com/android-wear-smartwatches-unveiled-at-google-io-2014-06
http://www.webpronews.com/android-wear-smartwatches-unveiled-at-google-io-2014-06#commentsWed, 25 Jun 2014 19:03:48 +0000http://www.webpronews.com/?p=368877Today, at Google’s I/O keynote, the company announced the availability of two Android Wear smartwatches – the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live. you can preorder them today on Google Play.

Google also announced that the Moto 360 will be coming in the next couple of months.

Google first announced Android Wear back in March, their foray into the world of smartwatches.

Android Wear will have its own apps, as well as the ability to display notifications from smartphone apps. In order to get apps to your Android Wear device, all you have to do is download them from the Google Play Store (on any device) and they’ll pop up on your wearable.

“Enter Android Wear, which extends Android, and its ecosystem of apps, to that most familiar spot for a “wearable,” your wrist. You get the information you need, quickly at a glance—just like you’re used to doing with your watch. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions or to get stuff done. Get alerted when it’s time to leave for dinner. Call a cab to take you there. See the traffic on the way. Text a friend once you’re seated. It’s all right there, on your wrist, easy to see, right when you want it,” says Google.

They’ll also be a fitness component to Android Wear, as Google says that some devices will sport heart rate monitors to help you “reach fitness goals.” Google didn’t say which manufacturers would be putting the requisite hardware in their Android Wear devices, however.